Rare Total Lunar Eclipse to Paint September’s Full Moon Blood Red for Hours

A Celestial Spectacle Approaches

On September 7-8, 2025, skywatchers will witness a dramatic celestial event as the moon slips into Earth’s shadow for a total lunar eclipse, creating a stunning ‘blood moon’ display. The event is completely safe to view with the naked eye, requiring no special filters or glasses.

Unprecedented Visibility

Asia and Western Australia will experience the full show, while much of Europe and Africa will see the moon already in totality as it rises. Though the Americas will miss this particular event, over 7 billion people worldwide will be within range to witness at least part of the eclipse.

Remarkable Duration and Timing

The eclipse will unfold from 11:28 a.m. EDT (15:28 GMT) to 4:55 p.m. EDT (20:55 GMT), with the highlight being an unusually long 82 minutes of totality from 1:30 p.m. to 2:52 p.m. EDT (17:30 to 18:52 GMT).

Special Characteristics

Adding to the spectacle, this eclipse occurs just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee (its closest point to Earth), making the moon appear slightly larger than usual. While September’s full moon is typically known as the Harvest Moon, this year that title will belong to October’s full moon due to its closer proximity to the autumnal equinox on September 22.

Scientific Significance

This total lunar eclipse will be followed by a partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, with both events occurring during a single eclipse season – an approximate 35-day period during which it’s inevitable for at least two eclipses to take place.

Experts advise checking local forecasts and having a backup viewing location ready to ensure the best possible viewing experience despite potential cloud cover.